J Orthop. 2020 May-Jun; 19: 178–183.

Variability of patient and surgical risk factors for infection in a single, urban, academic total joint replacement center

Anthony P. Gualtieri,a,∗ Andrew Yoo,b Michael S. Philips,a Joseph Bosco,a and James Slovera

Hip Knee

Background

We describe surgeon-specific patient and procedure variability in a single center to determine how much variability exists between surgeons.

Methods

Data was analyzed from 2009 to 2013 at a single center. The total number of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries were quantified for each surgeon.

Results

Surgeon caseload varied significantly, with the largest differences observed in primary TKA caseload. The largest patient differences were in regards to percentage of patients with diabetes mellitus amongst primary TKA patients

Conclusion

Significant differences in patient characteristics that could significantly impact outcomes after total joint arthroplasty were found amongst surgeons.

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